The conflict between Ripple and the SEC has come to a close, carrying significant implications for the cryptocurrency ecosystem, especially for XRP.
Brad Garlinghouse's Comment
John Squire recently posted on X a video featuring Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, reminding that "XRP was #2 before the SEC slowed it down." Garlinghouse explained, "People forget... that before the SEC got involved, XRP was the second most valuable digital asset after ETH, then the SEC got involved and sued Ripple, causing XRP to decline in value."
The Conclusion of the Ripple vs. SEC Case
On August 7, 2025, Ripple and the SEC jointly filed to withdraw their respective appeals with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, marking the official end of lengthy legal battles. Judge Analisa Torres's previous rulings remain intact, including a $125 million civil penalty and an injunction over certain institutional sales. Notably, Judge Torres's ruling from July 2023 continues to hold: XRP's secondary market sales on exchanges do not constitute securities transactions.
Market After the Court's Decision
Following the closure of the case, XRP reacted positively in the market, with the token's price jumping 4-13% on major exchanges in the hours after the court's decision. Analysts note that this resolution could pave the way for renewed listings, greater institutional confidence, and potential inclusion in financial products such as exchange-traded funds. The ruling establishes a significant precedent in U.S. regulation, emphasizing that while institutional sales of tokens may be considered securities, secondary market trading of cryptocurrencies like XRP is not.
Now that the SEC case is behind it, Ripple can focus on adoption and partnerships in transaction solutions. While XRP's future remains uncertain, the end of this legal saga clears the path for what Garlinghouse describes as a long-awaited comeback.